Burns reduces alcohol sales distances

The Burns Commission reduced the distance permitted for alcoholic beverage sales to within 250 feet of churches and public schools.

The commission voted 3-1 on a final reading June 2 to reduce the restricted distance from 500 feet to 250 feet. No one spoke during a public hearing for the measure prior to the June 2 regular meeting at Town Hall.

The commission approved a first reading during May's regular meeting. Vice Mayor Steven Hayes voted against the change in distance both times.

Mayor Landon Mathis proposed the change during May's meeting in anticipation of commercial growth along Highway 96. Mathis did not detail specific developments.

The ordinances reducing the restricted distance also set the measurement within 250 feet from building to building. For liquor and wine, sales restrictions previously had been measured from property line to property line.

Other business

The commissioners unanimously dismissed two bids June 2 for excavation work at the new ball park complex off Highway 96.

Mathis decided not to accept the only two bids received to excavate the site, based on an engineer's recommendation, during a May 27 special-called meeting.

Mathis explained during the June 2 meeting that the commission needed to vote to dismiss the bids, in order to rebid the excavation work.

Police Chief Paul McCallister asked citizens to "lock up your valuables," especially at night, due to "a lot" of reported burglaries across the county. McCallister pointed to Old Eastside, Cathey Hollow and White Bluff roads as targeted areas.

The commissioners recognized the 2014 state champion Dickson County High Lady Cougars softball team during the June 2 meeting. Mathis and Commissioner Shot Grove noted several of the players had connections to Burns.

Jamie McMurtry, with Burns Little League, presented the team with a monetary donation from her organization.